Donna S. (Phipps) Vesper

Donna S. Vesper, 65, of Staunton, IL, died Saturday, May 30, 2020, at her residence. Born April 9, 1955, in East St. Louis, IL, she was a daughter of Chesney and the late Wanda (Miller) Phipps. She attended Belleville West High School and graduated with the class of 1973. She attended SUIE, attaining a bachelor’s degree in Library Science. She was employed at Staunton Public Library from 1983 to 1988 and Heartland Library System in Edwardsville as webmaster and software support specialist from 1988 until her retirement in 2012. She was a member of The Illinois Library Association, several book clubs, and Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton. She enjoyed reading, writing poetry, listening to Neil Young, Judy Collins, The Grateful Dead, and gardening.

She is survived by a son, Christopher L. Vesper of Staunton, IL, 1 grandson, Eli W. Vesper of Waterloo, IL,  her father, Chesney “Ernie” Phipps of Staunton, IL, brother, Richard E. (Gloria) Vesper of Bethalto, IL, longtime companion, Bruce C. Gates of Staunton, IL, 3 nephews of Brian Phipps of Girard, IL, Patrick (Rochelle) Phipps of Springfield, IL, Kevin Phipps of Bethalto, IL, 1 niece, Shelly (Billy) Murray of Brighton, IL. She was preceded in death by her mother, Wanda F. Phipps.

Due to COVID-19 protocol, there will be no visitation. Private Graveside services will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton with Pastor Kelly Mitteis officiating.. Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church of Staunton.

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